Part One: On September 10th, period 8, we began our stream analysis. To find the macroinvertebrates, we used hip wader boots and went into the stream with kick nets. We put the nets downstream and kicked mud and rocks toward them, and collected the mud and rocks. We then sifted through the mud and rocks and discovered the macroinvertabrates, and cataloged them using the macroinvertabrate key.
Part Two: On September 22nd, Period 8, we returned to the stream to test the stream for nitrates, phosphates, turbidity, the pH level, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and coliform bacteria. We then took the tests back to class and completed and logged the results.
Materials:
· Chemical kits · Hip waders · Kick nets · Turbidity tube · Macroinvertabrate key · Tweezers · Gloves
Results: Macroinvertabrates
Macroinvertabrates
Number Found
Tolerance to Pollution
Caddisfly
24
Sensitive
Mayfly
1
Sensitive
Riffle Beetle
3
Sensitive
Stonefly
7
Sensitive
Water Penny
1
Sensitive
Dragonfly
1
Somewhat sensitive
Scud
2
Somewhat sensitive
Leech
1
Tolerant
Total Index Value=23
Water Quality Tests
Test
Results
Acceptable Ranges
pH
7.7
6.5-8.2
Alkalinity
22 ppm
100-200 ppm
Nitrate-Nitrogen
1 ppm
>1 ppm
Dissolved O2
10 ppm
8-15 ppm
Phosphate
0.2 ppm
>0.03
Analysis/Conclusions
In conclusion, the results determine that the Pocono Creek is healthy, due to there being many macroinvertebrates that are sensitive to pollution, and the water tests bringing back results, of which most were in the acceptable range.
Part One: On September 10th, period 8, we began our stream analysis. To find the macroinvertebrates, we used hip wader boots and went into the stream with kick nets. We put the nets downstream and kicked mud and rocks toward them, and collected the mud and rocks. We then sifted through the mud and rocks and discovered the macroinvertabrates, and cataloged them using the macroinvertabrate key.
Part Two: On September 22nd, Period 8, we returned to the stream to test the stream for nitrates, phosphates, turbidity, the pH level, dissolved oxygen, alkalinity, and coliform bacteria. We then took the tests back to class and completed and logged the results.
Materials:
· Chemical kits
· Hip waders
· Kick nets
· Turbidity tube
· Macroinvertabrate key
· Tweezers
· Gloves
Results:
Macroinvertabrates
Water Quality Tests
In conclusion, the results determine that the Pocono Creek is healthy, due to there being many macroinvertebrates that are sensitive to pollution, and the water tests bringing back results, of which most were in the acceptable range.